Setting Out

A bench mark should be established at the site through a masonry pillar and linked to the nearest standard benchmark. Levels of the site should be taken at 5 to 10 m intervals depending on the terrain and the significance of the building. The centre lines of a wall are marked through stretching strings across wooden pegs driven at the ends. A centre line of the perpendicular walls are marked through setting out the right angle along with steel tapes or preferable within a theodolite. The setting out of walls should be facilitated through having a permanent row of pillars (not less than 25 cm wide) parallel to and at an appropriate distance beyond the periphery of the building so in which they do not foul along with the excavation. The pillars shall be situated at the junctions of the cross walls and external wall and shall be bedded sufficiently deep so that they are not disturbed during excavation for foundation. The centre lines of the walls should be extended and marked on the plastered tops of the pillars. The tops of the pillars might be kept at the similar level, preferably the plinth level. Within rectangular or square settings the diagonals shall be checked to make sure accuracy of setting out.